Posey, ML&P's manager, said he is planning on alternative sources of gas when Beluga field supplies run down.
The utility is working with other regional utilities on plans to import liquefied natural gas, or perhaps compressed natural gas.
It would need gas from other sources in about 2018, he said.

ML&P has responded to CIRI's offer of wind power but says Fire Island wind power must be sold at ML&P's "avoided cost," which Posey said is the price the utility charges itself for its own Beluga gas.

...

Posey said his average cost of gas will decline to about 3 cents in 2013 because ML&P will no longer have to buy gas from other gas producers and will be largely self-sufficient.